Prepare a decoction with 20 grams (3 spoonfuls) of ground leaf in 1 liter (4 cups) of water, boil for at least 10 minutes in a covered pot. Filter, allow to cool and drink 1/2-1 cup 3-4 times a day26.

Any medicinal preparation must be preserved cold and used within the 24 hours.

According to published and other information:

Use for amenorrhea is classified as REC, based on the significant traditional use documented in the TRAMIL surveys, toxicity studies, scientific validation and available published scientific information.

Use for asthma, bronchitis, flatulence, urinary infection and cough is classified as REC, based on the significant traditional use documented in the TRAMIL surveys and toxicity studies.

Should there be a notable worsening of the patient’s condition, or should asthma, bronchitis or cough last more than 5 days, or should urinary infection persist for more than 3 days, seek medical attention.

Due to the risks of documented interactions with warfarin and monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), ingestion of the fruit decoction should be avoided by persons taking these medicines5.

Not for use during lactation or by children under 3 years old.

Not for use during pregnancy because it may have abortifacient effect.

TRAMIL Research22

The aqueous extract from the fruit and leaf, administered orally to mice (12.5 g/kg), did not cause any signs of toxicity during 10 days of observation. The LD50 of the extract by intraperitoneal administration was 8.8 ± 3.7 g/kg.

The aqueous extract from the fresh leaf (500 mg/mL) administered orally to mice (18.7, 12.5 and 6.25 mL/kg of mouse weight per day) during 30 days did not cause any evident signs of toxicity during 40 days of observation22.

TRAMIL Research23

The aqueous extract (decoction) from the fresh leaf, lyophilized, administered orally to 20 mice (10 males and 10 females) of NGP strain (5 g/kg/day) for 5 days caused neither mortality nor evident signs of toxicity, during a seven-day observation period following treatment.

The fresh leaf administered to a lactating goat at a dose over 20g/kg caused damage in mammary glands and reduction in milk production24.

The fresh leaf included as part of the feed of 21 sheep caused respiratory and heart conditions; autopsy evidenced cardiomyopathy injuries25.

Ingestion of the fruit by patients under warfarin-based anti-coagulant therapy has been reported as provoking a diminishment of the effects of this drug. Additionally, a hypertensive crisis has been reported when associating the ingestion of the fruit with the ingestion of monoamine-oxidase inhibiting (MAOI) medicines5.

There is no available information documenting the safety of medicinal use in children or in pregnant or lactating women.

The aqueous extract (decoction for 10 minutes, chemically neutralized to pH7) from the entire fruit and leaf, in vitro (16.7 mg/mL), in a mouse uterus on estrus test with non-cumulative doses, caused a significant uterotonic response (p<0.01).

TRAMIL Research18

The aqueous extract (decoction) from the fresh leaf, lyophilized, in vitro (14.3 mg/mL), on isolated tracheal rings of guinea pig contracted with potassium chloride (80 mmol) did not have any relaxant effects.

TRAMIL Research19

The aqueous extract (decoction) from the fresh leaf, lyophilized, at a concentration of 66.7 mg/mL, administered orally (1 g/kg) to 20 mice, Hsd:ICR(CD-1) strain (10 males and 10 females), did not change the speed of intestinal motility compared to the vehicle control with distilled and de-ionized water (0.5 mL).

The aqueous extract (decoction of the leaf for 1 hour, 470 g/2 L of distilled water, filtered and evaporated at 40°C, with a yield of 7% weight /weight) from the fresh leaf reconstituted in distilled water (400 mg/mL) and orally administered to mice (200–1600 mg/kg) had analgesic effects. In the inflammation test of carrageenan-induced pedal edema (1% p/v, 0.l mL) in rat, a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory response was obtained20.

The fruit pulp oil and its aqueous extract (2 mg/mL) are claimed to be phagocytosis stimulants21.

DISCLAIMER

The information provided is for educational purposes only for the benefit of the general public and health professionals. It is not intended to take the place of either the written law or regulations. Since some parts of plants could be toxic, might induce side effects, or might have interactions with certain drugs, anyone intending to use them or their products must first consult with a physician or another qualified health care professional. TRAMIL has no responsibility whatsoever towards the user for any decision, action or omission made in relation to the information contained in this Pharmacopoeia.